System, method, and device for providing communications using a distributed mobile architecture

ABSTRACT

A method of providing telephone communication is disclosed and includes allowing a group call between four or more participants. Each participant calls from a separate telephone device that communicates with a base transceiver station that is coupled to a distributed mobile architecture server. The method also includes providing full duplex calling capability between all participants via one or more of the distributed mobile architecture servers. One or more participants can disconnect from the group call without effecting other participants remaining on the group call. Further, one or more added participants can connect to the group call.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to the distributed mobilecommunication systems.

BACKGROUND

Access to basic telephony service is particularly important for ruraland isolated communities. Telephony access allows small-scaleenterprises, cooperatives, and farmers to obtain accurate information onfair prices for their products and to access regional and nationalmarkets. Access also reduces the cost of transportation and supports thelocal tourist industry. By bringing markets to people viatelecommunications, rather than forcing people to leave in search ofmarkets, urban migration is reduced and greater income and employmentpotential are generated in rural areas.

Unfortunately, the last decade of the telecommunications boom has notalleviated the disparities between urban and rural communities. Theaverage imbalance, in terms of telephone penetration, in Asia, forexample, is over ten to one and is often as high as twenty to 1.2. Thismeans that a country whose urban markets have a penetration of four (4)telephone lines per one-hundred (100) inhabitants, e.g., India andPakistan, has a rural penetration of less than 0.2 per one-hundred(100). The situation is more acute in most African countries and in someparts of Latin America. By comparison, the disparity in average incomelevel between urban and rural residents in the developing world isusually less than 4 to 1.

Current telephone systems are expensive to deploy. For example, atypical cellular system that includes a mobile switching center (MSC), abase station controller (BSC), and a home location register/visitorlocation register (HLR/VLR) can cost over $2.0 million. Moreover, such asystem may require a minimum of ten thousand users in order to beeconomically viable. In many rural areas, the population is not largeenough to support the installation of such a system. Further, in manycases, the conditions in which the equipment, e.g., the MSC, BSC, andHLR[VLR, are to be operated are extremely harsh and environmentallyprohibitive. An alternative to such a cellular system can include awired system, but the costs associated with deploying and maintainingland lines are too high for certain rural areas.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved communications systemthat is relatively inexpensive to deploy and relatively inexpensive tooperate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is pointed out with particularity in the appendedclaims. However, other features are described in the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a distributed and associative communicationsystem;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a distributed management architectureserver;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart to illustrate operating logic of a distributedmanagement architecture server;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart to illustrate call hand-off logic of adistributed management architecture server;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart to illustrate group call logic of a distributedmanagement architecture server;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an exemplary communication system in which adistributed management architecture server can be incorporated;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a wireless local loop communication system inwhich a distributed management architecture server can be incorporated;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of plural wireless local loop communication systemsconnected to the public switched telephone network via a singleback-haul connection;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a communication system in which a distributedmanagement architecture server can be deployed to extend an existingcellular network;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a communication system in which a distributedmanagement architecture server can be deployed to cover urban fringearound an existing network;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a communication system in which a singledistributed management architecture server can be connected to pluralbase transceiver stations and can provide a single backhaul to thepublic switched telephone network;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of an in-building communication system in which adistributed management architecture server can be deployed;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a mobile in-field communication system in whichmultiple distributed management architecture servers can be deployed viamultiple vehicles;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a communication system in which a distributedmanagement architecture server can utilize a satellite connection as abackhaul connection;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a communication system in which a distributedmanagement architecture server can receive multiple backhaul signals viamultiple satellite signals; and

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a communication system in which a singledistributed management architecture server can be connected to multiplebase transceiver stations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A method of providing telephone communication is disclosed and includesallowing a group call between four or more participants. Eachparticipant calls from a separate telephone device that communicateswith a base transceiver station that is coupled to a distributed mobilearchitecture server.

In a particular embodiment, the method also includes providing fullduplex calling capability between all participants via one or more ofthe distributed mobile architecture servers. In another particularembodiment, the method includes allowing one or more participants todisconnect from the group call without effecting other participantsremaining on the group call. In yet another particular embodiment, themethod includes providing full duplex calling capability between theremaining participants via the one or more distributed mobilearchitecture server. In still another particular embodiment, the methodincludes allowing one or more added participants to connect to the groupcall. In yet still another embodiment, the method includes providingfull duplex calling capability between the additional participants viathe one or more distributed mobile architecture servers.

In another embodiment, a system is disclosed and includes four or moremobile communication devices and a distributed mobile architectureserver. The distributed mobile architecture server includes a program toallow a group call between the four or more mobile communicationdevices.

In yet another embodiment, a system is disclosed and includes at leastone distributed mobile architecture server and at least one rural basetransceiver station coupled to the distributed mobile architectureserver. A mobile switching center and base station controller is coupledto the distributed mobile architecture server and at least one urbanbase transceiver station is coupled to the mobile switching center andbase station controller. The distributed mobile architecture serverincludes a program to allow a group call between four or more mobilecommunication devices.

In still another embodiment, a system is disclosed ands includes atleast one distributed mobile architecture server and at least one basetransceiver station that is coupled to the distributed mobilearchitecture server. A public switched telephone network is coupled tothe distributed mobile architecture server. The distributed mobilearchitecture server includes a program to allow a group call betweenfour or more communication devices.

In yet still another embodiment, a system is disclosed and includes atleast one portable distributed mobile architecture server that ismounted in a vehicle. At least one portable base transceiver station iscoupled to the distributed mobile architecture server and is alsomounted in the vehicle. The distributed mobile architecture serverincludes a program to allow a group call between four or morecommunication devices.

Referring to FIG. 1, a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of adistributive and associated telecommunications system is illustrated andis generally designated 100. As depicted in FIG. 1, the system 100includes four cellular coverage sites 102. Each coverage site 102includes an antenna 104. In one embodiment, the antenna 104 is connectedto a transceiver belonging to a base transceiver station (BTS) and theBTS is a 3-sector BTS. FIG. 1 also indicates that a distributed mobilearchitecture (DMA) server 106 can be connected to each antenna 104. Inone embodiment, each DMA server 106 is physically and directly connectedto its respective antenna 104, e.g., by a wire or cable 108.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, each DMA server 106 is interconnected with theother DMA servers 106 via an Internet protocol network 1 10. As such,there exists a peer-to-peer connection 112 between each DMA server 106in the system 100. As described in detail below, the DMA servers 106 canhandle telephony traffic that is communicated at each antenna 104. Forexample, the DMA servers 106 can switch and route calls received viaeach antenna 104. Additionally, the DMA servers 106 can hand-off callsto each other as mobile communication devices move around and betweenthe cellular coverage sites 102. The DMA servers 106 can communicatewith each other via the IP network 110 and can further transmit calls toeach other via the IP network 110. It should be understood that morethan four cellular coverage sites 102 can be included in the system andthat the inclusion of only four cellular coverage sites 102 in FIG. 1 ismerely for clarity and explanation purposes.

Within the distributed and associative telecommunications system 100 thecontrolling logic can be distributed and de-centralized. Moreover, thewireless coverage provided by the disclosed system 100 is self-healingand redundant. In other words, due to the interconnectivity via the IPnetwork 110, if one or more of the DMA servers 106 loses powers, fails,or is otherwise inoperable, telephony traffic handled by the inoperableDMA server 106 can re-routed to one of the remaining operable DMAservers 106. Additionally, user data stored in a database, e.g., a homelocator resource (HLR) or a visitor locator resource (VLR), can bedistributed equally and fully among all of the DMA servers 106. It canalso be appreciated that new cellular coverage sites can be easily addedto the system 100 as the demand for users increases. Specifically, a DMAserver can be deployed as described below, connected to an antenna,connected to the IP network, and activated to provided cellular coveragein a new area.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a DMA server,e.g., one of the DMA servers 106 described in conjunction with FIG. 1.The DMA server 106 is essentially a processor, or computer, having ahousing and a computer readable medium 200 that is disposed therein. Apower supply 202 can also be disposed within the housing of the DMAserver 106 in order to provide power to the DMA server 106. The powersupply 202 can be a rechargeable battery disposed within the DMA server106 or it can be external to the DMA server 106, i.e., a standard poweroutlet. Moreover, a cooling system 204, e.g., a fan with a thermostat,can be within the DMA server 106 in order to keep the DMA server 106from overheating.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the DMA server 106 can include a mobile switchingcenter (MSC) module 206 and a base station controller (BSC) module 208embedded within the computer readable medium 200. In an exemplary,non-limiting embodiment, the MSC module 206 can include a gatekeeper(GK) 210 that is connected to several gateways. For example, a circuitgateway (CGW) 212 can be connected to the GK 210 and can provideconnectivity to an integrated services digital network/public switchedtelephone network (ISDN/PSTN) interface 214. The CGW 212 can provide acircuit switched to packet data conversion. In an exemplary,non-limiting embodiment, the PSTN portion of the ISDN/PSTN interface 214can be an inter-office interface that uses the Bellcore industrystandard ISDN user part (ISUP) signaling on a signaling system seven(SS7) link set. Moreover, the voice trunks on this interface can betimeslots on a Ti connection. Inbound and outbound voice calls can besupported on the ISDN portion of the ISDN/PSTN interface 214.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, a packet data server node (PDSN)gateway 216 for CDMA, or a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) for GlobalSystem for Mobile Communication (GSM), and a Session Initiation Protocol(SIP) gateway 218 can also be connected to the GK 210. The PDSN gateway216 and the SIP gateway 218 can provide connectivity to an Internetprotocol (IP) interface 220. Further, the PDSN gateway 216 or a GGSN canestablish a reverse tunnel with the PDSN or GGSN gateway 216 usinggeneric routing encapsulation (GRE). Moreover, the PDSN gateway 216, orGGSN, can implement the Pseudo Random Function (PRF)/Foreign Agent (FA)functionality of the DMA server 106 which supports mobile IP functions.

FIG. 2 further shows an SS7 gateway 222 that provides connectivity to anANSI- 41 and GSM Mobile Application Part (MAP) interface 224. In aparticular embodiment, the ANSI-41 interface can be an SS7 TCAP/SCCPinterface on the same SS7 link set used for ISUP signaling. The same SS7point code can be used to identify the DMA server 106 in the ANSI-41network. The ANSI-41 interface can be used for roamer registration.Further, in an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the GSM MAP interfacecan be an SS7 TCAP/SCCP interface on the same SS7 link set used for ISUPsignaling. It can be appreciated that there are different protocols ofMAP from MAP/B to MAP/I, but in the illustrative embodiment, thedifferent MAP/x protocols are not stacked they are used independently.

As depicted in FIG. 2, a media gateway 226 can also be coupled to the GK210. In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the media gateway 226 caninclude cellular transcoders, one or more intranet gateways,conferencing bridges, and group calling functionality. Further, anauthentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) module 228 can becoupled to the GK 210. In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, thereare three levels of authentication management. The highest level is foradministration, the mid-level is for operations, and the lowest level isfor normal users. The functions of the AAA module 228 can be included inthe user level.

In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the GK 210 can act as an AAAserver and a feather server to support advanced supplementary service,short message service, etc. Moreover, the GK 210 can act as a callmanager and can support ISUP and PSTN function calls. Additionally, theGK 210 can act as a signal gateway, e.g., IP to SS7 inter-working, ISUP,GSM MAP or ANSI-41 to PSTN and ANSI-42/GSM. The GK 210 can also functionas a data call server.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the BSC module 208 includes a cellular radionetwork controller (CRNC) 230 and a cellular selection/distribution unit(CSDU) 232 that are connected to a call protocol controller (CPC) 234.In turn, the CPC 234 can be connected to a plurality of base transceiverstations (BTSs) 236. Specifically, the DMS server 106 includes a BTSinterface 238 at the CPC 234 that can be physically and directlyconnected to the BTSs 236. The CRNC 230 can provide cellular radioresource management and cellular call control. The CSDU 232 can provideFundamental Channel (FCH) soft handoff and distribution, Link AccessControl (LAC) processing for inband signaling, multiplexer (MUX)functions, and centralized power control. Further, the CPC 234 canconvert a TI or El message or ATM interface to a data packet message. Ina particular embodiment, each BTS 236 supports all signals and trafficup to the front point of the CPC 234, e.g., up to the BTS interface 238.Further, in a particular embodiment, the CRNC 230, the CPC 234, the CSDU232 and the OAMP 240 can perform one or more of the functions of legacyBase Station Controllers (BSC).

In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the BTS interface 238 can bean IS-95A and IS-2000 interface over E1 or ATM, or the BTS interface 238can be a GSM BTS interface using MAP or customized application formobile network enhanced logic (CAMEL). In an illustrative embodiment,the CPC 234 can be connected to one or more BTSs 236. FIG. 2 furthershows that the BSC module 208 includes an operations, administration,maintenance, and provisioning (OAMP) module 240. In an exemplary,non-limiting embodiment, the OAMP module 240 can use simple networkmanagement protocol (SNMP) for operations interfaces. Further, the OAMPmodule 240 can include a JAVA user interface. The OAMP module 240 canalso include a software agent that is assigned to each component withinthe DMA server 106. The agents independently monitor their respectivecomponents. Moreover, each agent can provision its respective component.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a flowchart is provided to illustrate operating logic of a DMA server 106(FIG. 1). The operating logic commences at block 300 with a functionloop wherein during operation, the succeeding steps are performed. Atstep 302, a call is received, e.g., at an antenna 104 (FIG. 1) incommunication with a DMA server 106 (FIG. 1). Next, at decision step 304it is determined whether the call is local, i.e., it is determinedwhether the call is between two mobile communication devices within thesame cellular coverage site. If the call is local, the logic moves toblock 306, and the call is switched at the local DMA server, i.e., theDMA server within the cellular coverage site in which the call isreceived. Then, at block 308, the call is connected from the firstmobile communication device that initiated the call to a second mobilecommunication device via the local DMA server. Returning to decisionstep 304, if the call is not local, the logic proceeds to block 310 andthe call is switched at the DMA server connected to the antenna 104 atwhich the call was received. Thereafter, at block 312, the call isconnected from the first mobile communication device that initiated thecall to a second mobile communication device via a peer-to-peerconnection between a first DMA server and a second DMA server.

After the call is connected, either at block 308 or block 312, the logiccontinues to block 314 where the call is monitored. For example, thelocation of the first mobile communication device that initiated thecall can be monitored, the location of the second mobile communicationdevice that received the call can be monitored, the DMA server that ishandling the call can be monitored, other DMA servers through which thecall is connected can be monitored, and the connections (such as thepeer-to-peer IP network connection) through which the call istransmitted can be monitored. Proceeding to decision step 316, it isdetermined if the first mobile communication device or the second mobilecommunication device involved in the call is roaming, i.e., movingbetween cellular coverage sites provided by individual antennas. If so,the logic moves to block 318 where the call at the roaming mobilecommunication device is automatically handed off to a new DMA server andassociated antenna at a new cellular coverage site. If none of themobile communication devices involved in the call is roaming, the logicmoves to decision step 320.

At decision step 320, it is determined whether any DMA server hasfailed. If so, the call is re-routed around the failed DMA server byestablishing one or more different peer-to-peer connections between oneor more different DMA servers that are still operable. Thereafter, thelogic moves to decision step 324. Decision step 324 can also be reachedif it is determined that no DMA servers have failed at decision step320. At decision step 324, it is determined whether the call has ended.If not, the logic moves to block 326 and the connection or connectionsthrough which the call has been established are maintained. Otherwise,if the call has ended, the logic moves to block 328 and the peer-to-peerconnection, or connections, through which the call was established areterminated, and the logic ends, at state 330.

FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart to illustrate call hand-off logic that canbe performed by a DMA server 106 (FIG. 1) in order to hand off calls, oruser service connections, between a first BTS and a second BTS as amobile communication device moves between cellular coverage zones. Thelogic commences at block 400 with a loop wherein when a mobilecommunication device is activated, the following steps are performed. Atblock 402, the location of a mobile communication device is monitored ata local DMA server. Continuing to decision step 404, it is determined ifthe mobile communication device is about to move from a first cellularcoverage site provided by a first BTS to a second cellular coverage siteprovided by a second BTS. If not, the logic moves to decision step 406where it is determined whether the call has terminated. If the callterminates, the logic ends at state 408. On the other hand, if the calldoes not terminate, the logic returns to block 402 and continues asdescribed above.

Returning to decision step 404, if the user is about to move from afirst cellular coverage site provided by a first BTS to a secondcellular coverage site by a second BTS, the logic proceeds to decisionstep 410. At decision step 410, it is determined whether the second BTSis connected locally, i.e., to the same DMS server as the first BTS. Ifso, the logic moves to block 412 and the DMA server hands off the call,e.g., as a soft hand off, or the user service connection, from a firstBTS connected to the DMS server to a second BTS connected to the sameDMS server. Conversely, if the second BTS is not local, the logiccontinues to block 414 where the DMS server hands off the call from afirst BTS connected to the DMS server to a second BTS connected to asecond DMS server. From block 412 or block 414, the logic proceeds todecision step 406 and continues as described above.

FIG. 5 portrays an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a method toillustrate group call logic that can be executed at a DMA 106 (FIG. 1)to provide a group call between several mobile communication devices andPSTN/ISDN users. At block 500, a loop is entered wherein duringoperation, the following steps are performed. At decision step 502, itis determined whether greater than three (3) callers are participatingin a telephone call handled via one or more DMA servers 106 (FIG. 1). Ifnot, the logic continues to block 504 and normal calling, e.g., two-waycalling, three-party conference calling, etc., is allowed. The logicthen ends at state 506.

At decision step 502, if greater than three (3) callers areparticipating in a telephone call that is handled via one or more DMAservers 106 (FIG. 1), the logic moves to block 508 and group calling isallowed between all participants with full duplex capability. Next, atdecision step 510, it is determined whether one or more participantshave disconnected. If so, at decision block 512, the disconnectedparticipant or participants are dropped from the group call. At block514, full duplex calling is maintained between the remaining group callparticipants. Returning to decision step 510, if no participants havedisconnected, the logic proceeds to decision step 516 where it isdetermined whether a new participant has connected to the group call.Decision step 516 is also reached from block 514, above.

At decision step 516, if a new participant enters the group call, thenew participant is allowed to connect to the group call and maycommunicate with any one or more of the other participants with fullduplex capability. The logic then moves to decision step 520. Decisionstep 520 is also reached from decision step 516 if no new participantshave entered the group call. At decision step 520, it is determinedwhether all participants have disconnected from the group call. If not,the logic returns to block 508 and continues as described above. On theother hand, if all participants have disconnected from the group call,the logic moves to block 522 where the group call is terminated and thenends at state 506.

In a particular embodiment, a user can select a group of devices thatcan be dynamically called in order establish a group call. For example,a user can select a group of devices from a list of devices and press asingle button in order to call all of the selected devices and establisha group call with full duplex capabilities between all of the selecteddevices. Alternatively, the user can select all of the devices on a listof devices and dynamically call all of the selected devices andestablish a group with full duplex capabilities between all of theselected devices.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of atelecommunications system is shown and is generally designated 600. Asshown, the system includes one or more DMA servers 602 that areconnected to a wireless carrier's central MSC 604. The DMA server(s) 602can be connected to the MSC 604 via an El CCS (G.703, G732) connection,or any other applicable connection. The MSC 604, in turn, is connectedto a code division multiple access (CDMA) network 606. FIG. 6 furthershows that the DMA server(s) 602 can be connected to a switchingtransfer point (STP) 608 of a stand-alone carrier. As shown, the DMAserver 602 can be connected to the STP 608 via an IS-41 +IS-880 (DS0)connection, or an ISUP ITU N7 connection.

As further depicted in FIG. 6, the STP 608 can be connected to a shortmessaging service (SMS) server 610 in order to provide text-messagingcapabilities for the mobile communication devices using the system 600shown in FIG. 6. Additionally, the STP 608 can be connected to a homelocation register (HLR) 612, a pre-paid wireless server 614 and aninternational roaming network 616 in order to provide pre-paid servicesand roaming between multiple countries. FIG. 6 shows that the DMAserver(s) 602 can be connected to the PTSN 618 via an El CCS (G.703,G732) connection, or any other appropriate connection.

Referring to FIG. 7, a wireless local loop (WLL) system is portrayed andis generally designated 700. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the system 700includes a DMA server 702 that is connected to a BTS 704. The BTS 704,in turn, is connected to an antenna 706. The antenna 706 providescellular coverage for one or more subscribers 708 within transmissiondistance of the antenna 706. FIG. 7 indicates that the system 700 canfurther include a data network connection 710 from the DMA server 702.The data network connection 710 can connect the DMA server 702 to thePSTN via an ISUP/ISDN signaling connection on an SS7 link set or a Ti/Elwireless connection. Further, the data network connection 710 can be anIEEE 802.11 connection between the DMA server 702 depicted in FIG. 7 andother DMA servers not shown. The DMA server 702 can beneficially utilizeexisting infrastructure used for cellular and SMS data services.

FIG. 8 shows a multi-WLL system, generally designated 800. As shown, thesystem 800 includes a plurality of WLLs 802. Each WLL 802 can include aDMA server 804 and an antenna 806 connected thereto to provide acellular coverage site around the antenna 806. As illustrated in FIG. 8,the WLLs 802 can be interconnected via a wireless local area network(WLAN), or a wide area network, such as a microwave connection.Moreover, a DMA server 804 within one of the WLLs 802 can provide aback-haul connection 808 to the PSTN 810. This type of deploymentscenario can greatly reduce the costs associated with a wireless system.Since the DMA servers 804 are connected to each other via the WLAN ormicrowave connections, the relatively expensive inter-site back-haulcomponent is removed. Further, using the hand-off logic, the DMA servers804 can enable roaming between the WLLs 802 and can further provideroaming to an external wireless or other network.

Referring to FIG. 9, a telecommunications system is depicted and isdesignated 900. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the system 900 includes a DMAserver 902 that can be connected to a plurality of BTSs 904. Each BTS904 can provide cellular coverage for one or more mobile communicationdevices 906, e.g., one or more mobile handsets configured to communicatevia the DMA server 902. FIG. 9 further shows that the DMA server 902 canbe connected to an MSC 908, such as an MSC of an existing cellularsystem. The DMA server 902 can be connected to the MSC via an IS-41subset or a MAP subset over a wireless El/TI connection. With thisimplementation, the DMA server 902 can extend an existing cellularnetwork when connected to an existing cellular system MSC 908.

FIG. 10 shows an additional telecommunications system, generallydesignated 1000. As shown, the system 1000 includes a city area coveragesite 1002 and an urban fringe/nearby village coverage site 1004. In anexemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the city area coverage site 1002includes a first MSC/BSC center 1006 connected to a second MSC/BSCcenter 1008. Also, a first representative BTS 1010 and a secondrepresentative BTS 1012 are connected to the first MSC/BSC center 1006.The particular deployment of equipment is configured to provide adequatecellular coverage for mobile communication devices within the city areacoverage site 1002.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the urban fringe/nearby village coverage site1004 includes a DMA server 1014 having a plurality of BTSs 1016connected thereto. The DMA server 1014 can provide hand-off of callsbetween the BTSs 1016 and can switch calls made between the BTSs 1016locally. However, the DMA server 1014 within the urban fringe/nearbyvillage coverage site 1004 can also connect telephony traffic to thefirst MSC/BSC center 1006 within the city area coverage site 1002 via adata network connection 1018. In one embodiment, the data networkconnection can be an E1 connection, a T1 connection, a microwaveconnection, or an 802.11 connection established via an IS-41 subset orMAP subset. The deployment of a DMA server 1014 in a location such asthat described above, i.e., in urban fringe or in a nearby village, andthe connection of the DMA server 1014 to an MSC/BSC center 1006 in acity area, can provide service to potential wireless customers thattypically would not receive cellular coverage from the city areacellular coverage site 1002. Thus, new subscribers receive access towireless communication service and can further communicate with wirelesscustomers within the city area cellular coverage site 1002.

Referring now to FIG. 11, another telecommunications system is depictedand is designated 1100. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the system 1100includes a DMA server 1102 that can be connected to a plurality of BTSs1104. Each BTS 1104 can provide cellular coverage for one or more mobilecommunication devices 1106. FIG. 11 further shows that the DMA server1102 can include a data network connection 1108 that provides aback-haul connection to the PSTN 1110. In one embodiment, the datanetwork connection can be an E1 connection, a T1 connection, a cableconnection, a microwave connection, or a satellite connection. Moreover,the system 1100 depicted in FIG. 11 can be deployed using CDMA IS-95,CDMA 1X, GSM/GPRS, W-CDMA, or other industry standard technologies.

Using a single back-haul connection greatly minimizes costs associatedwith the wireless communication network. Further, the system 1100 shownin FIG. 11 can be deployed relatively rapidly and can be maintainedremotely. Additionally, with the inclusion of the OAMP module 240 (FIG.2) and the AAA module 228 (FIG. 2), subscriber accounts can be managedlocally and billing can be performed locally, i.e., within the DMAserver 1102. Moreover, as the number of subscribers increase, the sizeof the system can be increased modularly, e.g., by adding DMA servers,corresponding BTSs, and the appropriate connections.

FIG. 12 illustrates an in-building telecommunications network that isgenerally designated 1200. FIG. 12 depicts a structure 1202, e.g., anoffice building, a commercial building, a house, etc. An enterpriselocal area network (LAN) 1204 is installed within the building 1202. Amicro-BTS 1206 is connected to the enterprise LAN 1204. Moreover, avoice mail server 1208 and plural enterprise services servers 1210 areconnected to the enterprise LAN 1204. In an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment, the enterprise services servers 1210 can include a dynamichost configuration protocol (DHCP) server, a radius server, a domainname server (DNS), etc. As depicted in FIG. 12, a plurality of phones1212, e.g., IP desk phones, can be connected to the enterprise LAN 1204.

FIG. 12 further indicates that an office DMA server 1214 can beconnected to the enterprise LAN 1204. The office DMA server 1214 canalso be connected to the PSTN 1216, which, in turn, can be connected toa cellular voice and data network 1218. The enterprise LAN 1204 can alsobe connected to the cellular voice and data network 1218 via an Internetprotocol (IP) network 1220. A signaling system seven (SS7) network 1222can be connected to the cellular voice and data network 1218 and the IPnetwork 1220. FIG. 12 also depicts an SS7 gateway 1224 between the SS7network 1222 and the IP network 1220 and a firewall 1226 between theenterprise LAN 1204 and the IP network 1220. FIG. 12 shows a wirelesscommunication device 1228 in communication with the cellular voice anddata network 1218 and the micro-BTS 1206.

Referring to FIG. 13, a mobile in-field telecommunications system isdepicted and is generally designated 1300. As depicted, the system 1300includes a plurality of mobile cellular coverage sites 1302. Each mobilecellular coverage site 1302 includes a vehicle 1304 in which a field DMAserver 1306 is disposed. Moreover, a BTS 1308 is disposed within eachvehicle 1304 and is in direct physical connection with the field DMAserver 1306, e.g., by a wire or cable connected there between. The fieldDMA server 1306 and the BTS 1308 can be removably installed within thevehicle 1304 or permanently affixed therein. FIG. 13 further indicatesthat each BTS 1308 can include an antenna 1310 that is designed tocommunicate with mobile communication devices. Also, each field DMAserver 1306 includes an antenna 1312. In an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment, the field DMA servers 1306 can communicate wirelessly witheach other via the antennae 1312, e.g., via 802.11a, 802.11b,microwaves, or other wireless link.

The mobile cellular coverage sites 1302 can be deployed to provide atemporary web of cellular coverage for a plurality of mobilecommunication devices, e.g., devices carried by soldiers during abattle. The mobile in-field communications system 1300 can be recalled,moved, and re-deployed as necessary. Further, the system can include awireless connection, e.g., 802.11a, 802.11b, microwaves, to the PSTN1314.

Referring to FIG. 14, still another telecommunications system isillustrated and is generally designated 1400. As depicted in FIG. 14,the system 1400 includes a DMA server 1402 that is connected to a BTS1404. The BTS 1404, in turn, is connected to an antenna 1406. FIG. 14further illustrates that a first satellite transceiver 1408 is alsoconnected to the DMA server 1402. The first satellite transceiver 1408communicates with a second satellite transceiver 1410 via a satellite1412. Additionally, the second satellite transceiver 1410 includes adata network connection 1414, e.g., a Ti connection, or an Elconnection. The satellite transceivers 1408, 1410 and the satellite 1412can provide a backhaul connection for the DMA server 1402. Or, thesatellite transceivers 1408, 1410 and the satellite 1412 can connect theDMA server 1402 to an additional DMA server (not shown).

FIG. 15 shows yet another telecommunications system that is generallydesignated 1500. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the system includes a DMA1502 that is connected to a first satellite transceiver 1504. Moreover,the DMA 1502 includes a primary network connection 1506, e.g., a T1connection, or an E1 connection, and a secondary network connection1508, e.g., an IP connection. FIG. 15 shows that the first satellitetransceiver 1504 communicates with a second satellite transceiver 1510and a third satellite transceiver 1512 via a satellite 1514. Each of thesecond and third satellite transceivers 1510, 1512 is connected to aninterworking unit (IWU) 1516 via a data network connection 1518, e.g.,an IP connection. Each IWU 1516 is connected to a BTS 1520, which inturn, is connected to an antenna 1522. The satellite transceivers 1504,1510, 1512 provide an IP network extension for the DMA server 1502.Moreover, in the deployment illustrated in FIG. 15, the DMA server 1502can act as a centralized micro- switch for handling calls received atthe antennas 1522 and transmitted via the second and third satellitetransceivers 1510, 1512.

Referring to FIG. 16, another telecommunications system is depicted andis designated 1600. As shown, the system 1600 includes a DMA server 1602having a primary network connection 1604. Moreover, the DMA server 1602can be connected to a plurality of IWUs 1606. In an exemplary,non-limiting embodiment, the DMA server 1602 can be connected to eachIWU 1606 via a secondary network connection 1608, such as a categoryfive (Cat 5) cable connection, a microwave connection, or a WLANconnection. Further, each IWU 1606 is connected to a BTS 1610 and eachBTS 1610, in turn, is connected to an antenna 1612. Each BTS 1610 can bea 3-sector BTS. In the deployment depicted in FIG. 16, the DMA server1602 can act as a centralized micro-switch that can be used to handletelephony traffic received at the antennae 1612.

With the configuration of structure described above, the presentdisclosure provides a flexible telecommunications device, i.e., the DMAserver 106 (FIG. 1), that is distributive and associative, i.e., it canoperate stand-alone or seamlessly within an existing cellular or othernetwork. Moreover, the DMA server 106 can be integrated with virtuallyany third party base station. The DMA server 106 can operate withmultiple air interfaces including CDMA IS-95, CDMA 1X, CDMA EVDO, GSM,GPRS, W-CDMA, 802.11 (Wi-fi), 802.16 (Wi-fi), etc. Further, the DMAserver 106 can provide integrated prepaid billing, OAMP, networkmanagement, and AAA functionality. The DMA server 106 can include a Javabased user interface and feature configuration system. Also, the DMAserver 106 can provide real time call metering, call detail record (CDR)generation, and real time call provisioning. The DMA server 106 may beimplemented in a relatively small footprint and has a relatively lowpower requirement. Further, the DMA server 106 may be implemented usinginexpensive and widely available computer equipment.

With one or more of the deployment configurations described above, thepresent system provides mobile to landline calls from mobile handsetswithin a DMA server cellular coverage area. Also, mobile to landlinecalls can be made from mobile handsets roaming into DMA coverage areas.Mobile to mobile calls can be made from home/roaming handsets to DMAhandsets and vice versa. Further, mobile to IP calls and IP to mobilecalls can be made from within a DMA server coverage area. IP to IP callscan be made from any DMA handset to any IP phone. Additionally, IP tolandline calls and landline to IP calls can be made from a DMA handsetto any phone. Further, land-line to mobile calls to DMA handsets can bemade.

The systems described above can support call forwarding, call waiting,3-way calling caller ID, voice mail, and mobile to mobile SMS service,i.e., text messaging. Further, the systems described above can providebroadcast SMS service, mobile to land high-speed IP data (1X or GPRS)service and mobile-to-mobile high speed IP data (1X or GPRS) service.Also, the systems described above can provide IP-PBX capability.

Further, one or more of the illustrated systems can provide IP transportbetween distributed elements, e.g., DMA servers 106 (FIG. 1). Packetback-haul from BTS to Radio Access Network (RAN) can be provided.Further, the control logic within the DMA servers 106 (FIG. 1) can bedistributed and associated. Associated systems can be redundant,self-healing, self-organizing, and scalable. Distributed systems can be“snap-together,” i.e., a DMA server 106 (FIG. 1) can be linked to apreviously deployed DMA server 106 (FIG. 1) in order to broaden, orotherwise extend, cellular coverage. Further, distributed systems can bede-centralized to avoid single points of failure.

One or more of the systems described above can also provide soft andsofter call handoffs on the same frequency interfaces. Also, softhandoffs can be provided on different systems. Further, a DMA basedsystem can operate stand-alone with a billing system provided by a DMAserver and CDR generation. Or, a system can use the SS7 network to passCDRs to a central switch for integrated billing and operation with anexisting network.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall withinthe true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximumextent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to bedetermined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the followingclaims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited bythe foregoing detailed description.

1. A method of providing telephone communication, comprising allowing agroup call between four or more participants, each participant callingfrom a separate telephone device communicating with a base transceiverstation that is coupled to a distributed mobile architecture server. 2.The method of claim 1, further comprising providing full duplex callingcapability between all participants via one or more of the distributedmobile architecture servers.
 3. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising allowing one or more participants to disconnect from thegroup call without effecting other participants remaining on the groupcall.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising providing full duplexcalling capability between the remaining participants via the one ormore distributed mobile architecture server.
 5. The method of claim 4,further comprising allowing one or more added participants to connect tothe group call.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising providingfull duplex calling capability between the additional participants viathe one or more distributed mobile architecture servers.
 7. A system,comprising: four or more mobile communication devices; and a distributedmobile architecture server, the distributed mobile architecture servercomprising a program to allow a group call between the four or moremobile communication devices.
 8. The system of claim 8, wherein theprogram further comprises an instruction to provide full duplex callingcapability between all of the mobile communication devices.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the program further comprises an instructionto allow one or more of the mobile communication devices to disconnectfrom the group call without effecting other participants remaining onthe group call.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the program furthercomprises an instruction for allowing one or more additional telephonesto connect to the group call.
 11. A system, comprising: at least onedistributed mobile architecture server; at least one rural basetransceiver station coupled to the distributed mobile architectureserver; a mobile switching center and base station controller coupled tothe distributed mobile architecture server; at least one urban basetransceiver station coupled to the mobile switching center and basestation controller; and wherein the distributed mobile architectureserver comprises a program to allow a group call between four or moremobile communication devices.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein thefour or more mobile communication devices are in communication with thedistributed mobile architecture server via the at least one rural basetransceiver station.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one ofthe four or more mobile communication devices is in communication withthe distributed mobile architecture server via the at least one urbanbase transceiver station and the mobile switching center/base stationcontroller.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the distributed mobilearchitecture server is coupled to the mobile switching center/basestation controller via an E1 connection.
 15. The system of claim 11,wherein the distributed mobile architecture server is coupled to themobile switching center/base station controller via a T1 connection. 16.The system of claim 11, wherein the distributed mobile architectureserver is coupled to the mobile switching center/base station controllervia a wireless connection.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein thewireless connection is a microwave connection.
 18. A system, comprising:at least one distributed mobile architecture server; at least one basetransceiver station coupled to the distributed mobile architectureserver; a public switched telephone network coupled to the distributedmobile architecture server; and wherein the distributed mobilearchitecture server comprises a program to allow a group call betweenfour or more communication devices.
 19. The system of claim 18, whereinthe four or more communication devices are mobile communication devicesthat are in communication with the distributed mobile architectureserver via the at least one base transceiver station.
 20. The system ofclaim 18, wherein at least one of the four or more communication devicesis in communication with the distributed mobile architecture server viathe public switched telephone network.
 21. The system of claim 18,wherein the distributed mobile architecture server is coupled to thepublic switched telephone network via an E1 connection.
 22. The systemof claim 18, wherein the distributed mobile architecture server iscoupled to the public switched telephone network via a T1 connection.23. A system, comprising: at least one portable distributed mobilearchitecture server mounted in a vehicle; at least one portable basetransceiver station coupled to the distributed mobile architectureserver and mounted in the vehicle; wherein the distributed mobilearchitecture server comprises a program to allow a group call betweenfour or more communication devices.
 24. The system of claim 23, whereinthe four or more communication devices communicate via the portable basestation transceiver and the distributed mobile architecture server.